Time capsule from 1959 found in Derby almshouses

Hidden message from 1959 discovered during Derby Almshouse Refurbishment

A handwritten message hidden behind a staircase almost 67 years ago has been discovered during the refurbishment of The Liversage Trust’s historic almshouses on London Road, Derby.

The note, left alongside an empty bottle of Black & White Scotch whisky, was uncovered by contractors working on the Trust’s £3.4 million refurbishment project. It had been concealed behind the staircase of No. 87A since 12 October 1959.

The discovery was made by a joiner working alongside Site Manager Steve Wooddisse as they removed the staircase to create space for a new downstairs toilet, helping to adapt the Grade II listed almshouse for modern living while preserving its historic character.

Written on the back of a Ciro nylon hair net packet, the note offers a remarkable snapshot of life in Derby on the day it was hidden.

It reads:

“The Best of Luck Mate. I hope you are not at war – it’s a terrifying thing war. This was bricked up Oct 12th 1959. Just after the general election when the Conservatives got in by a 101 majority. It is raining in Derby now for the first time since about April after a first class summer. Derby 1 Portsmouth 0. Not doing so well this season Derby.”

Signed W H Braid, 3 Swarkestone Drive, Littleover.

The note captures far more than a date. It records the writer’s thoughts about the prospect of war, references the recent General Election, comments on the weather after an unusually dry summer and records Derby County’s 1-0 victory over Portsmouth just days earlier, while also noting that the team was “not doing so well this season.”

Alongside the note was an empty bottle of Black & White Special Blend Scotch Whisky. Although the whisky had long since gone, the bottle itself has been identified as an authentic example dating from between 1953 and 1962. Had it remained full and unopened, similar bottles can be worth as much as £300 at auction today.

For Andy Mellors of The Liversage Trust, it is the handwritten note that gives the discovery its real significance.

Andy said: “Finding the bottle was interesting, but it was the note that really stopped us in our tracks. Someone took the time to leave a message for whoever might one day uncover it, never knowing if it would be found. The note captures an ordinary day in Derby’s history, yet today it feels incredibly special. It gives us a small but very personal connection with someone who worked on these buildings decades ago.”

The Liversage Trust’s refurbishment is transforming the historic almshouses into 17 modernised homes, carefully preserving the buildings’ heritage while ensuring they continue to provide high-quality accommodation for future residents.

The Trust is now hoping the discovery may help uncover more about the author of the note.

Anyone who recognises the name W H Braid, or remembers someone living at 3 Swarkestone Drive, Littleover, is invited to get in touch with The Liversage Trust.

After almost seven decades hidden beneath the staircase, one small note has become an unexpected link between the people who cared for the almshouses in 1959 and those preserving them today.

posted 10 August 2026